From Anne …
Since this year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone, we celebrated that event with a homecoming in May. Our intention was to give thanks to God as we honored St. Luke’s past. The Anniversary Committee also planned a second celebration that would give thanks to God as we move forward into the future. This second celebration will take place on October 19th.
Around the same time, we will complete the sale of the property at the corner of Wisconsin and Calvert. The property sale gives the congregation the means to accomplish necessary renovations of the church’s physical plant both in terms of basic upgrades of the infrastructure and in terms of making sure that the building, originally designed for the church of the mid-twentieth century, will effectively house the church of the twenty first century. If we use the monies set aside for renovation carefully and wisely, we should be able to accomplish these two goals.
The property sale also gives the congregation the means to substantially support the ministries of St. Luke’s far into the future. We are a small congregation, but we are a strongly giving congregation. Our congregational giving through tithes, pledges, and other contributions is now about $70,000 per year, pretty good for a congregation of about 75 active members and friends. Our congregational giving is a reflection of how involved we are, how invested we are, in the life of this church. And our congregational giving has grown enormously over recent years, as our own involvement has grown. But even though our congregational giving is strong, it is not sufficient to support the growth of our ministry with one another, with our neighborhood, and with the world.
So St. Luke’s is fortunate that we will be able to invest most of the profit from the property sale, eventually to use a percentage of the interest as annual income which, along with our congregational giving, will supply the financial needs of our ministry together. For this gift, again, we give thanks to those founders of St. Luke’s who had the foresight to buy the entire property.
Last month the whole congregation gathered to hear and respond to the church council’s recommendations on the direction of St. Luke’s ministry – direction first articulated by the entire congregation at our visioning workshop last March. The direction of our ministry together – our vision for the immediate future – is summarized in three ministry action plans and included in this newsletter. The ministry action plans set forth a tremendously exciting and challenging path for us as we move forward, seeking to understand and do God’s will in this time and in this place.
During the congregational meeting we also heard a challenge to each find some way to play some part in the various ministries of the church, both the continuing ministries and those new ones that will be developing in the next year or two. In the next few days (if not already) you will be asked to complete a brief survey of your interests and talents in the various areas of the life of the church. This information will be very helpful to the Lay Leadership Development Committee (Karen Cox, Kirsty Zulu, Lucille Dade, and me) as we meet to think about leadership for 2004. The Lay Leadership slate for 2004 will be presented at the Charge Conference on November 12th ( everyone is cordially invited and encouraged to attend this interesting and very “United Methodist” gathering, about which more later).
Meanwhile, we will take the opportunity to celebrate on October 19th, with Bring a Friend Sunday, members of the Georgetown University Gospel Choir, the Second String Bluegrass Band, and more. Remembering that when the children were consulted on their hopes and dreams for St. Luke’s, Mike Wagner responded, “More parties!” And that in the midst of much good work God also calls us to rejoice and give thanks.
October Schedule of Events
4 AIDS Walk
5 World Communion Sunday
Grate Patrol offering and meal making
7 Grate Patrol 7-9 pm
12 congregational meeting with architects
13 Office Closed – Columbus Day
19 Bring a Friend Sunday, anniversary
celebration &neighborhood part after church
Our turn with Shelter dinner
23 Church Council 7-9 pm
26 The Rev. John Rottenberg guest preacher
VIM Meeting after church
And coming up in November...
2 All Saints Day Observed
Holy Communion & Grate Patrol Offering
12 Charge Conference
16 Pledge Sunday
Adult Sunday School has started up again
We are studying the Gospel of Luke. Please join us. We meet at 9:45 in the Wesley Room.
Tuesday Evening Study Group Begins Again
If you’ve been interested in this weekly study group, now’s your chance. The group is currently choosing a new book to read together. It’s a great time to jump in. We meet 7:30-8:30 every Tuesday in Anne’s office (rear entrance).
Grate Patrol Offering on October 5
Once a month we make and deliver 150 bag suppers for people living on the street. Please plan to stay after church on October 5th to help make the meals. Our next Grate Patrol night is Tuesday, October 7th. Sign up in the Wesley Room or email the church to be part of that night’s Grate Patrol team ( 7-9 pm; meet at the church). September’s Grate Patrol offering was $323.00
Shelter Dinner Opportunity on October 19th.
A group of church members and friends provides dinner for the Shelter residents on the third Sunday of every month. If you’d like to be a part of this enjoyable and rewarding experience, contact Shalom Mulkey, shalom@saintlukesmethodist.org.
The Rev. John Rottenberg to Preach October 26th
John Rottenberg is a pastor in the Reformed Church in America currently researching his doctor of ministry project here at St. Luke’s, and the father of Carmen Rottenberg.
From the Church Office
With an architect chosen, the property sale complete, and new ministries on the horizon there’s a lot of work to be done. To help “behind the scenes,” we’ve hired a bookkeeper. Rayna Luke joins St. Luke’s staff in a part-time capacity on October 1st. She will help us establish a comprehensive accounting system (including pledge reporting) for both the church and St. Luke’s Shelter. Rayna has done accounting work with a variety of organizations, including Christ Church in Alexandria. She is a graduate of Howard University and received her M.B.A. from George Washington University.
An additional note: It was a joy to join with you for the congregational meeting on September 14th and begin to put actual people with the faces, names and voices I’ve been getting to know over the past four months. You are an amazing group with a lot of heart and energy and I look forward to working with you all more closely as we move forward with the action plans put forward by the church council.
--Shalom Mulkey
Music Notes
My tenure at St. Luke's has now reached one month and our unique and wonderful strengths are apparent. We have much to offer and yet many new ideas to explore in our growth process. What a great time it is to be a part of this endeavor!
As Kimberly Pyle said in the recent congregational meeting, the music program is a key aspect of worship and community at St. Luke's and offers an enormous potential for both enhancing our faith and deepening our spirit.
We are nearing the launch of some new music programs. The much anticipated children's choir will begin rehearsing from 12:30-12:50 after church on Sundays in the late fall. The Christmas Pageant is also on for this winter, back by popular demand.
The adult choir will participate in a retreat in November to learn new skills and enjoy fellowship. A new piano is in our future as well! During this time of development, your input is needed and appreciated. Please feel free to call or email me with your ideas!
--Deke Polifka
The Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place’s Thrift Market on Nov. 7-8
Held at the Arabic Church of the Redeemer Presbyterian Church at 4420 River Rd. N.W. CCH/FP is accepting donations of clothing and shoes, furniture and carpets, books (except for textbooks) and all sorts of other items. A notice will be posted in the Wesley Room with the full list of accepted items. You can drop off items at CCH/FP (4713 Wisconsin Ave. N.W.) on Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. - Noon.
Volunteers, especially those who have storage space for donated items, can call 202-364-1419 to join the volunteer committee.
All proceeds from the sale will go to help CCH/FP provide services to the homeless in our community. For more information, contact Derek Willis at derek@thescoop.org or see the church Web site.
Strengthening root systems, connecting communities, and replanting butterfly bush!
Someone asked me last week, “How’s the garden?”
I thought about what they had asked and I replied, “Take a look around. How do you think the garden is doing?”
I will report that after two years I notice that certain plants and flowers have returned all by themselves. The soil still had to be nurtured and those friendly weeds were pulled. Some did not make it through last winter. Spring was almost a washout. I clipped the soggy roses, the peonies gave up, and the mosquitoes cheerfully had a field day.
Then for a moment the world stood still, the sun returned, the landscapers began to manicure the lawn, and with the assistance of my mother-in-law and my wife, we kept planting and weeding, weeding and planting, and then praying.
There was music, jazz, in the garden this summer. There were five outdoor concerts sometimes with rain lurking in the sky. The folks came from so many places .They came from Wellston, Ohio, all parts of D.C., from Brazil, Chevy Chase, Baltimore, Alexandria, Forestville, Dumfries, Silver Spring, Paris, and yes, from Brisbane, Australia.
Isabel even stopped by to topple the butterfly bush but surprisingly enough the fragile dahlias were left miraculously standing. My helper and I replanted the butterfly bush and began our fall gardening season of harvesting and reflecting.
If I might speak for the garden, I would report that all is well for now. Oh, by the way, the tomatoes, canas, crapemyrtles, and black-eyed susans told me to mention that there are photos that will be displayed this fall in the narthex of the church.
I must leave for now, I will see you somewhere in the garden!
--Curt Canada.
Visioning Process Produces Action Plan
The entire congregation gathered after church on September 14th to hear and respond to the action plans that the church council had developed out of the congregational visioning workshop last March. The meeting was well attended, discussion was productive and clarifying, and responses were positive. At the conclusion of the meeting, we stood in a circle, held hands, and accepted the action as a whole by singing a rousing chorus of “Amen”.
The action plan is in three parts: Worship & Music, Outreach Ministries, and Christian Education. They follow:
Worship & Music Action Plan
We understand that our worship is the heart of our identity as a congregation, and that everything we are flows from this.
I. general support
We will develop a standing group to focus on all aspects of worship (visual, drama, music, etc.) so that scripture is made more relevant to our lives through worship
We will schedule guest preachers, not only for the seven Sundays each year when Anne is away but also to bring additional voices to the St. Luke’s pulpit.
II. music in support of worship
We will hire a Director of Music Ministry who will work with the choir, worship committee, council, and pastor to vision and plan our music ministry, including choir workshops and retreats, special music by outside groups during worship, children’s choir and pageants, community concerts, and the care/repair of musical instruments.
III. children in worship
We will have a children’s choir and annual pageants, we will encourage the children’s participation in the joys and concerns, we will bring the children in for communion and include them in baptisms, and we will plan for confirmation classes as needed (for middle school age).
IV. worship services beyond Sunday
The worship committee, pastor and director of music ministry will plan and schedule services at times other than Sunday morning that have a special focus, for instance a service of healing, a Taize service, services in response to situations and events, ecumenical services, etc.
V. the sanctuary in support of worship
We will develop a committee to focus on worship space and needs and work with the architects during planning for renovation.
VI. better integration of silence and meditation in worship
We will add encouraging words in the bulletin about the value of silent times in worship, make silence an intentional part of worship, and look at changes in the physical environment of the sanctuary that can make it easier for worshipers to be comfortable with silent times.
Ministries Action Plan
We embrace the vision that through the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, this small congregation can engage in powerful and meaningful ministries, recalling that "scriptural holiness entails more than personal piety; love of God is always linked with love of neighbor, a passion for justice and renewal in the life of the world" (from our
Mission Statement).
For 2003/2004
St.Luke's Shelter/Next Step Kitchen
We recognize the vital place of St. Luke's Shelter/ Next Step Kitchen in the life of the community and as a core ministry of hospitality and shelter.
Action:
• Renovate the Shelter/Next Step Kitchen area to reflect our high level of commitment to care for our homeless neighbors.
We are committed to enabling St. Luke's Shelter and Next Step Kitchen meet their financial needs and commit to providing financial resources for both St. Luke's Shelter and Next Step Kitchen if such resources should be needed. We will continue to encourage both the Shelter and the Kitchen to build a strong, multi-dimensional support network by actively developing their relationships throughout the wider community. We will work closely with these two ministries with respect to their financial goals and milestones to make sure they meet their targets.
St. Luke's Guest House
A concrete and practical support for those engaged in acts of mercy and justice; a way to expand our ongoing ministry of hospitality and shelter; a significant youth ministry; a connection to the larger church.
Action:
• Convert the second floor space into a guest house for church youth groups and campus ministry groups coming to DC to engage in experiential learning around social justice issues or for Volunteers-in-Mission type service projects.
• Hire intern to manage guest house booking and management.
• Add intern salary to staff budget, with plan to make guest house fees cover the cost of intern.
Volunteers in Mission
As a congregation with a strong international identity, we recognize that Volunteers in Mission trips can provide powerful and life transforming experience for both volunteers and hosts.
Action:
• Make an annual Volunteers in Mission trip an integral part of the church's ministry.
• Provide financial support as needed so that the cost of the trip does not exclude anyone who would otherwise participate.
Senior Nurture, Care and Outreach
To reach out to older neighbors and church members by offering a variety of ways to decrease social isolation.
Action:
• Develop a group to explore opportunities for social gatherings and outings, and to plan, schedule, publicize, and execute these events on an ongoing basis.
• Add Senior programs to first year budget.
Explore for 2005/6:
1. Long-term relationship with sister congregation
(international); or long-term international
project. Deepens our international perspective.
Action: Develop a group to explore need and feasibility and recommend for 2005/6.
2. Summer Gardening Project with At-Risk Youth
Outreach through experiential learning for at-risk
youth.
Action: Develop a group to explore need and
feasibility and recommend for 2005/6.
3. Counseling Ministry
To provide emotional/psychological support
services to church members and individuals within
the surrounding community and greater DC area.
Action: Develop a group to explore need and
feasibility and recommend for 2005/6.
4. Homeless women or homeless women and children
To build on our commitment to our homeless
neighbors by providing some form of support for
women and children.
Action: Develop a group to explore and recommend for 2005/6. Explore feasibility of supporting a specific space for homeless women/families (not located at the church).
Christian Education Plan
We recognize that through Christian education the church plants and nurtures the seeds of faith, and that as Christians it is our challenge and our joy to grow in faith throughout our lives, and to encourage each other in this journey.
I. children
We want to have a core ministry for our children. We also want to prepare for children who will come to be a part of St. Luke’s, and so we recognize the need to expand these offerings in the future.
In 2003/2004 we will offer:
Sunday school & nursery
Children’s participation in communion, baptisms, and new members
Children’s choir
Children’s pageants twice a year
We will prepare to add a second Sunday School class. Issues will include space and staffing.
During renovation of the parking lot/grounds we will create a gated garden/play area accessible & visible from the coffee hour area
Beginning in 2004 we will publicize the Conference’s camping program and encourage children old enough to attend one of the Conference’s church camps, and we will provide scholarship money and have a special church camp offering to support this.
We will begin to hold Vacation Bible School in 2005 or 2006.
II. adults of all ages
In 2004 we will offer:
• Adult Sunday School before church every week
• A quarterly talk after church – variety of speakers/topics from inside the church (lunch followed by talk)
• A newcomers orientation –once a quarter after coffee hour
• Short-term groups, e.g. 6-8 weeks on various topics, offered quarterly
We will develop a Sunday evening film series to begin in 2005
III. older adults
We will budget for transportation for our older members
IV. all ages
We will offer occasional social events such as boat rides, bowling, and going out to eat, encourage the idea about having a softball team, go caroling in December, and otherwise look for opportunities to have more fun together.
Put yourself on the map. We now have a map on the wall in the Wesley Room so that we can see where everyone is from and also the places we all keep in our hearts. Please add your places during coffee hour.
New church directories are available. Pick one up in the Wesley Room after church.
Combined Federal Campaign Includes St. Luke’s Shelter/Next Step Kitchen
Federal employees take note – St. Luke’s Shelter/Next Step Kitchen has been accepted by the Combined Federal Campaign! Our number is 7940. Please tell your co-workers about St. Luke’s Shelter/Next Step Kitchen and encourage them to make it a part of their annual payroll deduction for charitable contributions. If your workplace is sponsoring an informational fair during the Campaign, please try to have St. Luke’s Shelter/Next Step Kitchen included in fair. Call or email Next Step Kitchen’s Executive Director, Susan Keenan, at 202-337-4275 and susan@nextstepkitchen.org.
Special Thanks…
As we complete the sale of the property, special thanks goes to the people who have been involved in many aspects of the process.
Jamie Goodson and Bill Carmody, our pro bono lawyers from the law firm of Arnold & Porter, who have worked untold hours on our behalf, including many evenings and weekends.
Nate Gross, Arnold & Porter’s consultant in land use planning, who advised us (also pro bono) on the zoning approval process.
Lisa Benjamin, our broker from the firm of Newmark & Bank, who took a lower than usual fee and did a wonderful job of shepherding the process. D.J. Sworobuk, who generously shared his expertise and experience in the fine art of the deal, and was a staunch and invaluable asset.
The other members of the property sale task force: Karen Cox, Derrick Wagner, and Julie James, who, along with DJ, considered all the proposals and wisely chose the very best one.
Sherman Harris, the Chair of our District Committee on Building & Locations, who advised us on United Methodist procedure, and our former District Superintendent, Allen Stewart, who supported and approved our process.
The leadership and members of the Glover Park Citizens’ Association, the Massachusetts Heights Citizens’ Association, and ANC 3C, all of whom whom unanimously approved the zoning changes necessary to accomplish the sale; and ANC3B, who unanimously did not object.
The writers and editors of The Current, who wrote fair and balanced accounts of the sale’s process from beginning to end.
Bobby Montagne and Woody Bolton, our developers, whose patience, courtesy and integrity made them the ideal developers for the particular challenges of this project.
October Birthdays
15 Kevin Ritz
24 Maya Craig
Happy birthday to all!
Fannie Mae Help The Homeless Walkathon November 22
St. Luke’s Shelter/Next Step Kitchen will again participate in the Help the Homeless Walkathon. Register now to support the Kitchen by walking on the 22nd. Contact susan@nextstepkitchen.org for more information.
Local, Creative Architecture Firm Selected for Renovation
--by Susan Ciccotti
The congregation’s visioning process which we began together last March included renovations to our existing building that would upgrade the basic infrastructure for instance, additional restrooms and sufficient handicapped access) as well as make sure that the building meets our current and future needs as a congregation. The first step was to focus in a preliminary way on the sanctuary as the heart of our building. We read several articles about worship space and met to develop general ideas about what we as a congregation value in our worship space. Beth Sworobuk, Susan Ciccotti, Derrick Wagner, Sonia Peters, Kim Pyle, Penny Andrews, and Anne Yarbrough participated in this first step. Notes summarizing that meeting and copies of the articles we read are available for anyone who wants to read more about it.
Members of this first group as well as church council members were asked to take part in the architect selection process. Those who did participate were Susan Ciccotti, Karen Cox, Shalom Mulkey, Sandi Stroud, Beth Sworobuk, Derrick Wagner, Penny Andrews, Leslye Wooley and, of course, Rev. Anne.
After previewing the work of nearly 10 architectural firms that have worked on renovations and/or that were recommended by other churches and other community organizations, a short list of four firms was selected. Throughout the day on Saturday, Sept. 13, our group interviewed the firms; each one had 30 minutes to present its qualifications and then our group questioned them for 15 minutes. Sandi, who is an architect, put together a thorough series of questions and ranking sheets. After extensive, passionate discussion, it came down to two firms. Though both firms seemed qualified to carry out a renovation, our first choice was Wiebenson & Dorman Architects, Inc. Sandi then spent hours calling references for both firms and putting together an extensive analysis. After reviewing these documents, the group reconfirmed its first choice of Wiebenson & Dorman.
Wiebenson & Dorman is a small, local firm that is committed to working on community-based projects. The firm’s recent projects include the Flemming Center for Emmaus Services for the Aging, Bread for the City’s community center, and St. Stephens’ new entranceway and garden. Our group was impressed with their design skills and concern for using small budgets creatively. We also liked both John Wiebenson and Kendall Dorman on a personal level.
In the Washington Post on June 14, architecture critic Benjamin Forgey wrote: “Combining good architecture with good works seems to come easily to John Wiebenson and Kendall Dorman . . . Wiebenson—known simply as “Wieb” to satisfied clients and friends—has made public-spirited architecture a key part of his practice for more than three decades. . . . ‘What Kendall and I do is try to bring some spirit, light and good cheer to these projects, and try to save our clients some money,’ Wiebenson says.”
The next step in this process is to hold a church-wide meeting with the architects in order to brainstorm what our priorities are and then decide what we can accomplish within our budget. We will have this meeting after church on October 12th.
Directory Changes
Molly McCracken
(202) 368-8474
Sonia Peters-Kassambara and Kaou Kassambara
Home: 301-779-6709
Letters …
Dear friends,
We miss everyone there so much! It has taken us time to finally write and catch up. Our transition up to Amherst, MA was just so fast that it took a good year
to settle. We are beginning to make Amherst our home though. We bought our first house in April and got a new puppy to fill it this summer. She is a lot of work, but lots of fun. Al is doing great at UMass. He loves teaching and is really enjoying his research group. I am a Literacy Coordinator/teacher in a school in Holyoke, which the poorest city in Massachusetts. The inner city environment is extremely challenging, but the professional development I have received has been amazing. We will be coming to town in October and hope to see everyone. We miss you!
--Kerry and Al Crosby
It feels good to be back at St. Luke's and seeing everyone after a long summer away. The school year is off to a great start, though I often times have a lot of work. But, I guess that's to be expected! I can't believe I'm a junior; time flies by so fast! I look forward to working with the children again for another exciting year.
--Cherise Williams
Joys and concerns
For Nikki Parker’s Dad who has been struggling in his job for the past 6 months and now has a job interview in Minnesota on October 1.
For Nikki Parker’s grandmother who had the hip surgery she’s been wanting for a year. She had the surgery on Monday and gets to return to her nursing home tomorrow.
For our Volunteers in Mission team as it prepares for the trip to Cuba in August 2004
For Dorothy Bowers, recovering from back surgery
For guests Dave, Cindy and Drew
For all those without power or in other ways affected by the storm
For Andrea’s friend
For Curt’s twin brother Curtis who is living on the streets with a brain tumor
For the military in Iraq and for the people of Iraq
Continued prayers for Eliza Wharton
For those who joined St. Luke’s on September 14th: Adam Briddell, Inne Kim, Andrew Ohm, Nikki Parker and Cory Scott
For Dorothy Preston’s brother Isaac
For Beth, DJ, and Conrad Sworobuk during a difficult family time
Penny Andrews shared her gratitude for the power of prayer and the congregation’s support while she was struggling with depression
Marian shared her joy at being back in worship after so long, and her mother’s new residence in the Lisner Home.
Kim asked for prayers for her and for her fiancé Robert as they prepare for the birth of their daughter in January.
Andrew shared his joy that his parents and sister were here as he joined St. Luke’s
Dorothy Preston shared the joy that Rob and Annette and their three children are worshipping at St. Luke’s today
Sonia and Kaou shared their joy at being back from their honeymoon
For Likando Kumoyo and Sylvia Zulu on the death of Likando’s father, Alex Likando Kumoyo, on September 1st in Zambia
For Michael Veltri, undergoing chemotherapy for testicular cancer
For Africa
For the 2003 Church Council: Penny Andrews, Curt Canada, Karen Cox, Allen Hengst, Julie James, Dorothy Pearson, Sonia Peters, Kim Pyle, Richard Pyle, Kate Ransom-Silliman, Leslye Wooley and Sylvia Zulu.
For situations of danger and violence throughout the world
For the street people in downtown DC who gather to receive Grate Patrol meals each night.
For the community of St. Luke’s Shelter.
For Wings of Hope Orphanage in Haiti
For those living with HIV/AIDS
For our members who are unable to attend because of their health: Margaret Roberts, Jeanne Goss, Vernon Thomas, and Lucille Dade.
Yoga on Monday and Wednesday mornings at church. Contact Beth (bethsworobuk@aol.com) for more information.
Coffee Hour Hosts for October
5 Julie James
12
19 neighborhood celebration after church
26
Thanks to all who have signed up to host coffee hour this month. The sign-up sheet is posted in the Wesley Room, or you can just contact the church office if you’d like to host next month. If you’ve never hosted and want guidance, contact Joyce Wagner at joyce.f.wagner@att.net or 703-836-8064.
Missed Church on Sunday?
You can still keep up with the latest prayer concerns and church events by checking the church web site, www.saintlukesmethodist.org. The Weekly Messenger appears there each week to help you stay in touch with your church family. And thanks to Derek Willis the site is always up to date and easy to navigate.
Don’t forget the time changes on October 26th. Remember to set your clocks back one hour.
Scripture Texts for October
5 Mark 10: 13-16
12 Mark 10: 17-27
19 Mark 10: 35-45
26 Mark 10: 46-52
During October the readings from the Gospel of Mark point increasingly to the conflict between the Kingdom of God and the powers of the world.